Ladies kick it

Off to its best start in over ten years, the Kenyon women's soccer team has a chance to do what no other Ladies soccer team has done in the history of the twenty-two-year-old program. With four games left in the regular season, the Ladies have a legitimate shot at making the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) playoffs for the first time ever.

The Kenyon women own a 9-3-1 record and a perfect 4-0-0 record in NCAC action. Among their long list of season highlights are impressive wins over Wilmington College, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Wittenberg University. The win over Wilmington was a first for Kenyon, which had been 0-14 all-time against the Quakers. Ohio Wesleyan, the defending conference champs, and Wittenberg were both ranked among the nation's top twenty-five teams when Kenyon handed them defeats.

At this point in the season, the Ladies already have the third-best record in the program's history. One more victory and the team matches its win output from one season ago (10-7-1). Two more wins and the Ladies secure a spot in the conference playoffs.

Third-year head coach Kelly Walters attributes the team's success to balance. There are no standouts on the 2005 team. Three players are tied for the team lead with a meager three goals apiece, while eight different Ladies have scored at least one goal this season. Walters believes the balance not only helps group chemistry but makes it difficult for opponents to prepare for her team.

Defense has also been a key element in the Ladies' formula. Seven of the Ladies' nine victories have come by shutout, and the team has allowed an average of just 0.92 goals per game.

For a listing of home games, visit the on-line Kenyon Event Calendar.